Ok, so now that I’ve found a moment of free time, I can finally get this blog rolling! Thanks for everyone who has patiently waited. Without further delay- here are some updates and details on where I’ve been, where I am, and where I am going!

Where have I been?

For the last three years, I have been working hard towards my Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM) at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in Portland. Up until this point, my schooling has consisted of many hours in classrooms, observing with practitioners, and practicing techniques on brave classmates. Topics of my education include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, Tui-Na massage, acupuncture techniques, moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, Chinese herbal therapy, research protocols, and business strategies.

Where am I now?

Just over a month ago, I began my year-long journey as an intern in OCOM’s acupuncture clinic. I have been treating patients seeking help with a wide range of ailments including pain, digestive complaints, insomnia, and cold symptoms, to name only a few. I love treating in the clinic, and even on the most challenging days I go home feeling like I am doing good work and making a difference. If anyone has any questions about TCM theory, techniques, what I can treat, etc- please contact me! I have such a passion for this medicine and what it can do, and I love talking about it. Now onto the most exciting part…!

Where am I going?

Next August, I will graduate from OCOM -please, hold your applause until then. Upon graduation, I have been invited to apply for the PhD by research program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne, Australia. I plan to focus my research on acupuncture for pain management, and Melbourne will be my home for four years as I pursue this incredible opportunity. I have already begun fund raising to support my transition to Australia by holding garage sales (can’t take it all with me!) and selling my paintings. Look for updates here on my many fund raising events over the next year. I would love the support -whether it is financial or emotional- from all of my dear friends and family. For those of you who already know about my plans, thank you so much for your encouragement so far! It means so much to me that you all believe in me- and I would love it if anyone wanted to come and visit me in Melb! Drop me a line if you would like to hear more about RMIT and my plans, and I will keep everyone updated here as best as I can. I also plan to keep everyone updated on my work and life in AU right here on my blog. Ok, I have rambled on long enough. Keep checking back here for new posts and let me know if there are any topics you would like to see posted and discussed! Take care everyone <3